Congleton Nub News is delighted to announce the launch of our new obituaries section as part of our continued commitment to building strong ties with the local community.

As an online local newspaper sitting right at the heart of the town, we have partnered with Congleton's Three Shires Independent Funeral Services to offer this new service to their clients.

Obituaries have always been a fundamental part of local newspapers, so we are excited to be "bringing obituaries back to life" for Congleton Nub News.

Obituaries can be any length, include up to 10 images and will be published completely free of charge on the Congleton Nub News website.

Family and friends can view and share the entries, which will remain on the obituaries section.

There is also the option to include a link to a charity or crowdfunding page if the family is requesting donations in memory of their loved one.

Three Shires, opened at 7 Moody Street, Congleton, and had their first funeral in December 2018.

Jo Nicholls, owner of Three Shires, said: "I absolutely love Congleton and the people round here are great."

The independent funeral service provides families with a thorough personalised service for their loved one from start to finish with the funeral arrangements.

A caring family run business serving Congleton and surrounding areas, Three Shires takes care of every detail, advise, and help families on each and every step of the way to ensure their every need is catered to.

With Three Shires being an independent company, Jo offers a comprehensive bespoke service for which there are no pre-set guidelines to follow. That means families can say goodbye to their loved-one the way they want.

Families can choose between a traditional funeral to something that is more personal and unique which would capture the personality and memories of their loved one.

When either walking through the doors or speaking to Jo on the phone, you will be presented with all the options and services in a gentle, loving and compassionate manner, without being pressured into making a decision.

All prices are disclosed up front with no hidden costs or bills that will leave people feeling frustrated and having their vulnerabilities taken advantage of, which links in with one of Jo's straplines for the business "passionate about affordability".

Losing a loved one is very traumatic, but Jo wants to take away the stress of planning a funeral and most importantly put grieving families at ease knowing their loved-one is in safe hands before saying a final goodbye.

Jo added: "Receiving thank you cards from families after funerals makes it worth its weight in gold."

Explaining the impact Covid-19 has had on her business, Jo said: "Not being able to have the wake afterwards has been difficult, I had a funeral this morning and the family found it very hard with everyone coming out of the chapel and going their own way.

"Normally they would have gone back to somewhere and would have shared some nice memories, it's horrible and having to wear masks as well, it is difficult."

Jo, who lives in Sandbach, started her career in the industry 17 years ago gaining work experience at a local independent funeral services before moving onto the Co-op and Dignity.

Jo runs the business alongside her husband Adrian, who has a full-time job in another field, but when needed he helps his wife.

Explaining why she embarked on being an undertaker, Jo explained that she lost her dad at a young age and lost her mum suddenly when she was 29.

Jo added: "I remember being in the Chapel of Rest to see my mum and I remember thinking I can do this [being an undertaker].

"I went to a local independent, who fortunately took me on for work experience and never looked back. It is most rewarding, to do the job and get it right is something else, it is an absolute privilege to look after somebody's loved one this way."

Establishing a relationship with local businesses, The Little Shop on Little Street, has decorated the Three Shires' three windows full of Remembrance Day poppies. They are also stocking Stars in branch for the Congleton Rotary Tree of Light.

Located on Moody Street, in the heart of Congleton's town centre, Three Shires is easy to reach with a large car park and disabled access available.

To contact Three Shires Independent Funeral Services, call in to 7, Moody Street, Congleton from 9am to 5pm, Mondays to Fridays or call 01260 279507 (24-hour service).